Newcastle flight delayed by weather

Wintry weather on Tyneside hit Newcastle's Europa League preparations when their flight to Bordeaux was delayed.

The Magpies were due to fly out to France after training at their Darsley Park headquarters, but Alan Pardew and his players were told they would not be leaving until at least an hour after their scheduled departure time.

Pardew is due to hold a pre-match press conference at the Stade Chaban-Delmas at 6pm local time, but that too may now have to be delayed.

The Group D rivals are due to meet on Thursday night with both having already qualified for the knockout stages and only top spot up for grabs.

Bordeaux are currently in the driving seat as a result of their 2-1 win in Bruges and the Magpies' disappointing 1-1 draw with Maritimo last month, and only a victory for Pardew's men will see them overhaul their hosts.

Temperatures are forecast to drop in Bordeaux on Thursday, although it was slightly warmer on Wednesday than it was on Tyneside.